50-mile diversion in place as A140 set to close to repair damaged road

The A140 in mid Suffolk will be closed over two nights in July to repair the damage caused by severe heat earlier this month.

Suffolk Highways has confirmed surfacing remedial works will take place between The Magpie pub in Little Stonham and the junction for Mickfield from 8pm on July 11 to 5am on July 12, and then from 8pm on July 16 to 5am on July 17.

On June 15, the stretch of road was closed as the surface was causing problems for drivers and was unsafe in the hot weather.

According to the Met Office, the temperature in the area was 23C at the time of the closure being announced.

Suffolk Highways later confirmed an inspection of the road would take place.

A temporary speed limit will be in place on the days between the works to protect the road surface.

The diversion route will send drivers onto the A14, A134, A143 and back onto the A140 and vice versa.

This is a journey of more than 50 miles, which would take drivers more than an hour.

A Suffolk Highways spokesman said: "The official diversion route has to take into account every size of vehicle, however it is recognised that there may be shorter routes available for smaller vehicles.

"It is recommended that road users plan their route ahead to avoid further disruption."